Biohacking – tuning for body and mind?
Imagine for a moment: you're sitting in front of the screen, it's late. You still have to work or study, tomorrow is your project submission or exam. But you're so tired! What are you doing? Without knowing the answer, let's say you're going to biohack. Because whether you reach for caffeine, play loud music, open the windows and give your body a boost of oxygen or treat yourself to a piece of glucose from Dextro Energy*: That's exactly when you're doing biohacking. We'll now tell you in our story what exactly that is, what you can do safely to immerse yourself in the world of biohacking, and which nutrients and minerals play a role in "tuning your body and mind". Look forward to endurance and fitness hacks, tips for mental strength and background information on the trend. Have fun while reading!
What exactly is biohacking?
Biohacking, i.e. the self-optimization of the body and mind (biology) using smaller and larger tricks (hacks), is a concept that emerged in the USA in the 1980s and has been making the rounds since 2005 at the latest - initially among a rather small, selected group Schar, but for some time now also among many athletes and people who are looking for solutions for more mental and physical fitness. Basically, it's about understanding your own body - and then taking the necessary measures to live healthier and, for example, be more efficient at work or in sport. This can be taking supplements, but also changing your sleep rhythm or simply doing more daily exercise.
No wonder: high-performance athletes in particular are becoming more and more interested in biohacking. Whether nutrition, supplements , lifestyle or mental training: biohacking covers many fields. And this is exactly where the problem lies. Without expert guidance and in-depth background knowledge, many methods and routines are difficult to implement or even risky. That's why in our story we only want to look at the tricks that you can easily incorporate into your everyday professional and sporting life. If you would like to take a closer look at the topic or intensify your body and mind tuning, we recommend that you meet with a doctor beforehand.
Biohacking with supplements: From protein powder to caffeine tablets
In general, you should speak to your doctor and/or do a blood test before using supplements and other fitness products. This is the only way you know for sure what is good and safe for your body. But then supplements can help to support your body during periods of stress. Proteins, for example, help maintain and build muscle mass. Minerals such as magnesium contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal muscle function. And these are just a few examples. You see: If, for example, you have ever enjoyed supplements and other products from Dextro Energy*, you have automatically also done biohacking. Whether for weight training or endurance training: protein and creatine powder, isotonic drinks, vitamin B nutritional supplements and much more make sense here. There are now a few examples of biohacking with supplements:
Caffeine: Wakes you up, can do a lot
The ultimate biohacking for many in the office or home office: first of all, a coffee. The reason: Caffeine is a stimulant that stimulates the nerves and can increase attention and concentration 1 . In plain language, this means that caffeine reduces symptoms of fatigue, it “makes you awake” 2 . Caffeine can also ensure that more oxygen reaches the muscles. Athletes also use this effect for themselves before and during sport. Many people take caffeine tablets or rely on supplements with precisely dosed caffeine content. One problem with caffeine consumption is estimating the effect and duration of effect. Exact doses can help you find the right amount for you. In our online shop you will find, for example , liquid gels , our Zero Calories° tabs and energy* gums with caffeine. Perfectly dosed, delicious and perfect for your sport.
Magnesium: gets on the nerves of muscles
Magnesium is important for our body. Not only can it help reduce tiredness and fatigue, it also contributes to electrolyte balance and normal muscle function and has a role in cell division. In short: without magnesium we feel weak or have cramps; the mineral is essential for us. Isotonic drinks, which you can mix or mix with water and magnesium-containing powder or effervescent tablets with magnesium, for example, not only replenish our magnesium stores, they also ensure that we are hydrated at the same time. Drinking is one of the most important pillars of biohacking. Rightly so: our body can only achieve what it is capable of when we are ideally hydrated. That's why the tip when it comes to liquid biohacking: Drink at least two to three liters per day, even more during periods of greater stress. If you want to supply yourself with magnesium and much more in a delicious and sustainable way: At Dextro Energy* you will find sports supplements such as our Zero Calories° or Sport Tablets , but also delicious energy bars , isotonic drink powders and our Immunfit°° Direct with magnesium .
Creatine: powder with diverse properties
Creatine or creatine is a substance that you may have encountered in weight training. Basically, creatine (more precisely: creatine monohydrate) can quickly help your body provide resources for building ATP (adenosine triphosphate) when it matters most - for example during speed training or high-weight repetitions. If the body needs to perform a lot in a short amount of time during short, intense exercise, creatine can be useful 3 . As is almost always the case, the dosage is important. Before taking supplements with creatine, you should definitely seek professional advice. And if you are looking for a high-quality creatine supplement for your biohacking, we are there: Our creatine powder is waiting for you in the online shop.
Vitamin B: It doesn't work without it
From the vital vitamin B12, which not only but especially vegans should supplement, to vitamin B5, which supports normal mental performance: it doesn't work without vitamin B. And by that we don't mean any relationships in business, but the precious vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 etc. that do so much in and for your body. Whether for metabolism or blood formation, alertness or psychology: the body cannot store many B vitamins, which is why supplementation can be particularly important in order to avoid deficiency and the associated symptoms. Whether vitamin B foods or tablets: a blood test is always recommended beforehand, especially when it comes to mineral and vitamin supplies. This way you will find out specifically whether and what you need to supplement. By the way, here you will find some really tasty supplements with vitamin B for your everyday life and sport. Take a look at our Immunfit°° Direct sachets or our Immunfit°° cubes in the online shop.
Proteins: For maintaining and building muscle mass – and more
We have written our own story about proteins, which is particularly interesting if you are interested in biohacking related to maintaining and building muscle mass and regeneration phases in general. At this point, just this much: (Vegan) protein powder, protein bars and a protein-rich diet can provide you with amino acids - and therefore with essential building blocks for your muscles. Whether you treat yourself to a delicious protein bar every now and then when you're under low stress or specifically adapt your protein intake to your high-intensity strength training: With this fitness hack, muscles can grow and repair themselves 4 . In our online shop you will find vegan protein powder for your daily protein shake, as well as delicious Cream'n Crunchy bars and much more.
Dextrose: quickly available carbohydrates for your body
Our namesake specialty: dextrose (or glucose) supplies the body with quickly available carbohydrates. These in turn replenish the glycogen stores in your muscles. The brain also craves dextrose. Up to 90 percent of the glucose you consume goes to the brain. In addition, dextrose increases blood sugar levels. Insulin is released. And this hormone in turn supports the utilization of important nutrients such as protein. So a win-win situation. Of course you can find delicious dextrose products with us. From the classic glucose cube to the practical dextrose drink .
Mental biohacking: 5 good tips for the brain and soul
Supplements are one thing. But what else can you do to take care of yourself with simple tricks and maybe even become more alert, more productive and more resilient? Especially mentally, there are a few simple biohacks that promise a lot of success with little effort.
Sleep is biohacking at its finest. When we sleep, not only does our body regenerate (if we have given it everything it needs), but our brain can also organize what we have experienced, “collect” ourselves and recharge our batteries. That's why a healthy sleep rhythm is so important. The important thing here is that your sleep rhythm is crucial. Depending on your sleep type, you might need 5 or 8 hours of sleep, you might go to bed at 10 p.m., or you might need a little longer. Find out for yourself. And then honor the rhythm. It is worth it ..
Routines are the be-all and end-all. How do you structure your morning, your first and last hour in the office, your everyday life? Try to find fixed points in your often hectic everyday life that give you support and stability. This can be a daily phone call at a certain time, but also a scheduled fitness session between the office and home.
Relaxation and focus can form a powerful unity when you separate them. Allow yourself periods of relaxation every day and take them seriously. This can be breathing exercises or short walks, but also meditation music on the headphones and five minutes of shut eye! The following applies to work, learning or homework: full concentration. Try not to get distracted for 60 to 90 minutes at a time. Turn off the phone, close the music streaming apps and work, study, do homework. Consistently and in one piece. This may all be a bit difficult at first, but eventually this biohacking will get you through periods of stress effectively and efficiently.
Listen to you. This may sound a bit esoteric, but pay attention to what really stresses, upsets and burdens you. Maybe from now on you will no longer read the headlines that bombard us every minute like a negative bombardment? Or maybe you're working off some bills or finally checking in with a loved one? Or do you notice that you really miss that one sport that you gave up years ago? This brings peace into everyday life, the brain no longer has to keep countless flashes in mind. And instead you can concentrate better on the here and now. Also important: your language. Listen to yourself in the truest sense of the word. Is your choice of words positive? How do you talk about yourself or others? A positive attitude can release new energies here.
The brain is a muscle. Well, strictly speaking it isn't. But let's pretend. Training this muscle is important. With brain teasers or mental training for more mental robustness and durability. But also with memory training, the benefits of which you will also notice in everyday life. By the way: With the right, balanced diet and coordinated nutritional supplements, you can nurture and care for your brain. Then a little sleep, a little training and lots of positive thoughts - and the biohacking for your wonderful head computer is done.
Physical biohacking: 3 tips and fitness hacks
The body is, at its best, a perfectly oiled machine. Biohacking can go to depths that can become worrying without expert advice. So here are three tips that won't do any harm, but can make a big difference.
Condition is key. Defeat your inner bastard. No matter how fit or not fit you are, training your endurance might be the best biohacking you can do. More endurance means more air. During sport, in everyday life and – above all – in stressful situations. A healthy mind rests in a healthy body, as the saying goes. Perseverance is crucial for this. In our stories you will find lots of good ideas on how you can train your endurance .
Relaxation and exercise are important. Not just mentally. Treat yourself to repeated sessions on the fascia roller, stretch regularly, and alternate between working while sitting and standing at your office job. Find moments and methods that help you relieve or support your body and, above all, allow it to regenerate. Whether it's an ice bath, a bathtub, yoga , an afternoon nap or a walk: there's guaranteed to be a biohack out there for you that's just good for your body.
Go for it. It may sound annoying, but that's just the way it is: things only change when you tackle things. If you are not very flexible, stretching can help. If you want to lose a few pounds, a change in diet combined with exercise can help. If you lack the power, strength training could be a good idea. And if you keep noticing that you're feeling weak or listless out of the blue, a blood test might be able to give you some clarity. Biohacking requires you to know yourself and your body and take the necessary steps to become mentally and physically fitter. So let's go. Our tips should make it easier for you to enter the world of mental and fitness hacks. Have lots of fun with it!
* contains carbohydrates
° applies to the prepared drink
°° Vitamin C contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
1 Caffeine helps improve concentration. This applies to an intake of at least 75 mg of caffeine per serving. Not recommended for children and pregnant women.
2 Caffeine helps increase alertness. This applies to an intake of at least 75 mg of caffeine per serving. Not recommended for children and pregnant women.
3 Creatine increases physical performance during speed training as part of short-term intensive physical activity (with a daily intake of 3 g)
4 proteins contribute to increasing and maintaining muscle mass.
A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.
PHOTO CREDITS
all images: @iStock
